Sectioned View of Compressor (Air conditioning) (page 3 of 4)

Condenser and Modulator

1 Modulator 2 Desiccant 3 Filter 4 Plug

5 Heat exchanger 6 Outlet connection 7 Inlet connection

The condenser transfers heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding air to convert the vapour from the compressor into a liquid. A modulator mounted on the side of the condenser performs the same basic function as a conventional receiver/drier, in that it incorporates a filter and a desiccant to remove moisture and solid impurities from the refrigerant. The modulator also functions as a reservoir for liquid refrigerant, to accommodate changes of heat load at the evaporator.

The condenser is installed immediately in front of the radiator. Side mounting brackets on the condenser end tanks locate to mounting points on the front of the radiator using bolts. The modulator on the LH end of the condenser is mounted in a dedicated bracket. Exact mounting position of the condenser unit is dependent on the engine variant for the particular vehicle.

The unit is classified as a sub-cooling condenser and consists of a fin and tube heat exchanger installed between two end tanks. Divisions in the end tanks separate the heat exchanger into a three pass upper (condenser) section and a single pass lower (sub-cooler) section, which are interconnected by the modulator on the LH end of the tank. The modulator is separately serviceable unit from the condenser, and it contains a serviceable desiccant pack and filter retained by a threaded plug.